Understand course goals
    Begin getting to know each other
       See if this class is a good fit for you
           Begin our story

• Open to the story of biodiversity on our planet.
  • Contrast past and present patterns, evaluate how life responds to global change stressors, envision the path forward

• Be a scientist ‘science-ing’ or a informed citizen ‘activist-ing’
  • Explore your interests, interpret other people’s studies, design your own studies, communicate your knowledge and wisdom

• Explore your place in the story.
  • Open to different worldviews, relate course content to your own life, envision your path forward

• This is a synchronous and participatory mostly flipped in-person class

• What does that actually mean?
  • Reading matters and is expected
  • Your presence is honored and valued
  • Your verbal participation is required
  • All opinions matter

• Each week will work on a spectrum of learning from Monday → Friday
  • Lecture → Open-ended discussions

Participation: in lecture and section + snap assignments submitted for participation points

Courses chapter reflections: 3-2-1 reading assignments due Mondays by noon

Exams: approx. one per unit (4 chapters each)

Term Project: with lots of intermediate benchmarks

• GCB discovery grant proposal (5 pages) meant to inspire your own independent, creative direction.

• Submission windows:
  • Project topic selection: week of February 15
  • Term project rough drafts: week of March 15
  • Term project peer reviews: week of April 5
  • Final term project: week of April 26

• Start thinking about what sparks your interest!

• Writing resources are available on Brightspace
  • Ask me for help!

• Dive deep on everything you read in this class!
  • Track what excites you, bores you, and confuses you!

• Beginning of chapter features - Pre-asses what you think you know
  • Blank Page & Learning Outcomes

• Middle chapter features - Wednesday topics
  • Meet the Data & Take a Closer Look

• End of chapter features - Organize your studying
  • Key Concepts and Consolidate your Knowledge

• 3-2-1 reading assignments submitted before class on Brightspace (essence of a flipped class)
  • 3 take home messages from the chapter (in your own words)
  • 2 things you did not understand or would like more information on
  • 1way something in the chapter relates to your personal experience.

• If you are not interesting in reading - quit now

• Announcements = updates, changes, important things in the news

• Syllabus = refer to the syllabus, them email Dr. C

• Grades = gradebook will be updated as fast as possible
  • always double check

• Assignments = always submit through Brightspace

• Reminders = turn notification on
  • due dates, content created, announcements, etc.

Lets take a look

https://brightspace.shepherd.edu/d2l/home

• Make a decision if this class is right for you
  • Are you willing to play along?

• No book chapter reading this week!

• For class on Wednesday: Write a few sentences about the concept “Why are we here”
  • think like a scientist, concerned citizen or just a human!
  • you may be asked to read it aloud!
  • Haiku will be greatly appreciated

• Submit on Brightspace for participation